Tovena

Tovena combines local history with routes, chapels, museums and the history of the Passo San Boldo. If you want to explore Veneto independently while placing specific traces of former routes, religious sites and local traditions in context, you will find several different points of interest here. The town is also closely linked to the passage through the valley: for centuries, Tovena was crossed by hikers, merchants and pilgrims travelling between the Dolomites and the lagoon.

Historic routes between Tovena and the Passo San Boldo

Over time, the bell tower of Tovena served travellers as an important landmark – both those descending from the Passo San Boldo and those crossing the valley. A direct connection to the region’s history is provided by the Strada dei 100 Giorni from Tovena to Trichiana. This route is 15 km long in total. The Museo della Strada dei 100 Giorni at the Alpini lodge in Tovena on the Passo San Boldo explains the history of its construction. The small exhibition space also focuses on the military events in the area during the First World War under Austro-Hungarian occupation.

Short hike to the Chiesetta di San Vigilio

The small Santa Ottilia chapel is the starting point for the short hike to the Chiesetta di San Vigilio. The CAI trail Sentiero Zanin begins north of Tovena, behind the Santa Ottilia chapel, and leads to the former, deconsecrated Chiesetta di San Vigilio. The chapel lies beyond Tovena’s town centre and before the hairpin bends and tunnels of the Passo di San Boldo. It was built at the end of the 16th century. It can be reached via a short mule track with dry-stone walls that has been preserved in its original condition. Next to the Chiesetta stands a stone hermitage. It served as sleeping quarters where hermit monks offered hikers and pilgrims accommodation and refreshments.

Museums, sacred art and local festivals

The Museo di Arte Sacra in Tovena houses a wooden crucifix from the 17th century. The museum is located in an 18th-century building just a few steps from the parish church. Alongside the history of the pass road, this gives the area a distinct focus on religious art and local sacred history.

The cultural calendar includes the Secolare Fiera Franca for Santi Simone e Giuda, which is recognised nationwide as a “Sagra di Qualità”. From 16 to 31 October 2026, Tovena in Festa will also be celebrated with three weeks full of events. The festival is rooted in the history of Tovena and the entire valley. At Tovena in Festa, you can sample “trippa alla tovenese”, a traditional local dish.

Discover more destinations

For further options, you can also view Fonte, Talponada, Povegliano, Sant'Alberto, Loria, Borgo Antiga, Motta di Livenza and Paderno Del Grappa.

For the main travel overview: Treviso.